New keyhole hysterectomy op being offered at Shropshire hospitals
A new surgical technique is being offered by the trust running Shropshire’s two main hospitals.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) says it will help women needing a hysterectomy for fibroids, significantly reducing the length of time they spend in hospital.
Women with the condition can now undergo keyhole surgery instead of conventional surgery.
That means they can go home the same day instead of spending up to five days in hospital, and recovery time is quicker.
During the procedure, surgeons use a technique known as ‘in-bag morcellation’ which also helps to minimise the inadvertent spread of any undiagnosed cancer.
SaTH is the only trust in the East and West Midlands to offer a keyhole hysterectomy (laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy) for women with fibroids using the ‘in-bag morcellation’ technique. The procedure is carried out at Shropshire’s Women and Children’s Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Dr Banchhita Sahu, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at the trust and a specialist in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, said: “The procedure takes about 90 minutes and avoids a large incision for women with fibroids.
“As they only need to stay in hospital for six to eight hours, patients can return home the same day.
“At home they also recover much more quickly. Patients usually resume their normal lives, such as returning to work or driving, within two to four weeks after surgery.
“This can be an important factor for those looking after their children, needing to go back to work and those who would like to enjoy their full, active life as soon as possible.”
